Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
